LKQ Bodyshop has launched Apprentice+, a new training programme developed in response to feedback from customers, employers and industry stakeholders calling for more practical support for bodyshop apprentices.

Designed to complement existing apprenticeships, the scheme will give participants hands-on experience across the full repair journey, helping them build confidence, technical capability and a broader understanding of how a modern bodyshop operates. Apprentices will have the opportunity to practise skills beyond the basics, tackle realistic workplace challenges and learn alongside peers from other businesses and disciplines.

Delivered at the LKQ Academy in Tamworth, Apprentice+ forms part of LKQ’s wider commitment to working with the industry to tackle the skills gap and support the next generation of bodyshop professionals.

LKQ will welcome the two cohorts of eight apprentices this September. More cohorts are planned for the start of 2027, subject to demand.

The six practical pathways are:

• Health and safety, sponsored by 3M 
• Panel repair, sponsored by U-POL 
• Paint, sponsored by DeVilbiss 
• Mechanical, electrical and trim, sponsored by Laser-PowerTec
• Quality control, sponsored by Mirka 
• Profitability and sustainability, sponsored by LKQ 

Participants will complete an assessment at the end of each pathway, reinforcing their learning and demonstrating the knowledge they have developed.

Apprentices will also complete four e-learning pathways, covering hybrid and electric vehicle awareness, general workshop safety, hand-arm vibration awareness and COSHH. 

Each pathway will be delivered by LKQ Academy’s expert trainers, using products supplied by its industry partners. Apprentices will also receive selected tools and equipment as gifts to support their continued learning after the programme.

The programme is open to apprentices at any stage of their learning journey, across paint, panel, MET, VDA and all other bodyshop disciplines. It is designed to supplement, rather than replace, existing college or workplace-based training.

On successful completion of the Institute of the Motor Industry-certified programme, apprentices, their families, managers, and bodyshop owners will be invited to a graduation ceremony at LKQ’s head office in Tamworth. 

At the event, they will receive their IMI and LKQ Academy Apprentice+ certificates, while also having the opportunity to engage with supplier partners who will be running a range of stands. 

Jodie Mullard, Director of Customer Strategy at LKQ, said: “The industry has been clear that apprentices need more opportunities to put their learning into practice and develop the broad skills required in a modern bodyshop. We developed Apprentice+ to respond directly to this demand. 

“The programme offers exceptional value for bodyshops looking to invest in their future talent, combining practical training, assessment and peer learning, with selected tools and equipment provided by leading sector suppliers to support apprentices after the programme.

“The skills gap is a challenge for the whole sector, and no single business can solve it alone. Our role is to connect apprentices with the people and organisations that can nurture their talent and help build a strong pipeline of capable professionals.”

Lee Smedley, Technical Training & Development Manager at LKQ, added: “Apprentice+ has been informed by my experience mentoring LKQ’s apprentices, as well as conversations with bodyshops and apprentices who have trained at LKQ Academy.

“The programme is designed to give them an experience that we regularly hear they value: the chance to make mistakes and build skills in a supportive environment. It will expose participants to the full repair journey and help them understand how different bodyshop disciplines work together and allow them to learn from everyone around them. 

“By assessing apprentices at the end of each pathway, we can also help them recognise how far they’ve progressed, and then also where there’s room for that little bit of further development.”

The programme also reflects the changing needs of the sector, with bodyshops facing more complex repair methods, evolving vehicle technology and growing pressure to develop skilled people while maintaining productivity.

Apprentice+ supports LKQ’s wider commitment to helping garages grow by keeping more work in-house and preparing teams for changing customer and vehicle demands. 

Applications close on 20 August, with the programme beginning in September 2026. The full programme costs just £599 +VAT.